Seyi's English Journal

Dear Isabelle Kerr,

I believe that slang can add emphasis to conversations, especially among teenagers. You say, “The Oxford dictionaries are awarding these dismal words a degree of permanence that is both unrealistic and unnecessary.” Evidently you want Oxford dictionaries to exclude slang, as you think it is dispensable. Plus, this would encourage slang to become a permanent part of Oxford dictionaries, furthermore Standard English. The addition of emphasis to conversations through the use of slang, enables teenagers to express themselves intimately. The addition of these words present how commonly used the words are.

You intentionally use slang in your introduction. This is done to express your dislike of slang and its use. Initially you describe slang as a disappointment. You state exactly, “An invasion of bizarre, nonsensical and downright pointless words appear to have taken over.” From the selection of words you used to express your opinion, you classify slang as unnecessary. Your selection of words ‘nonsensical’ and ‘downright pointless’ show that you view slang as absurd. You then use the words ‘greatest’ and ‘eloquent’ to describe standard English. This prominences that you are not in favour of slang.

As a user of slang verbally and online, I disagree with your description. I believe that most people use slang regularly and are unconscious of doing so. For example ‘gonna’ and ‘yeah’. Both words are frequently used, excluding situations which require formality. Dialect is a perfect example as this supports the idea of a variety of language being spoken, by a particular social group or area. For example ‘cockney’ which originates from East London.

You develop your argument by stating, “The Oxford dictionaries online have announced plans to include a variety of new, shall we say, colloquial words.” My interpretation of ‘colloquial’ is to be used in ordinary conversation informally. By this addition I believe it could encourage children to read more, using the internet. By using the phrase ‘shall we say’ this implies sarcasm.

Towards the end of the article you mention that, “The future of the English language looks bleak.” I disagree because I do not think that the future of the English language can be foreseen. Words like ‘cool’ are perfect examples. ‘Cool’ is still used currently used and originated in the 1800s. It would not be appropriate to say anyone could have foreseen that it would still be used in 2014, especially in the same context.

However I agree when you claim, “It doesn’t exactly reflect well on young people that the new additions are mostly related to image, reputation and sex.” Words like ‘twerking’ create bad impressions of slang and young people generally. This is because such words become more popular than those which have no relation to inappropriate topics, purely due to their negative connotations. Such as ‘sick’, meaning entertaining or amusing. It has no negative meaning, which most people would not know due to slang’s stereotype.

On the other hand, I disagree. Slang is looked upon by many as a way ‘gangstas’ communicate. This is partly because more inappropriate words are publicised. When words like ‘twerking’ are publicised the impression which already exists worsens. Additionally they fear that teenagers will not be able to communicate in Standard English, being comfortable using slang.

You also claim that by creating words to improve our ability to communicate, these words simply promulgate an unhealthy culture. I disagree because I feel slang has improved our ability to express ourselves. Almost every teenager if not all, understands and communicates with friends in slang. However I do believe slang could be responsible for the unhealthy culture which has been ascribed. Negative impressions about slang have been created from the failure of teenagers in English. Government figures show that in July 2013 188,365 students had not managed to achieve a C grade in GCSE English [Statistics acquired from http://news.tes.co.uk/]

You then state that, “Words like twerking, unlike and selfie are nothing more than slang, which just like any fashion trends, come and go.” I disagree because not all fashion trends diminish. For example words like ‘cool’ are still used, in both contexts. However I agree because they would if they are not found interesting. For example styles of dressing and slang terms which are no longer used. By using slang online, they are just trying to incorporate everyone who uses slang. However what about those who do not? I believe that this would benefit people who do not have any understanding of slang and help change people’s interpretations of slang. This would enable them to see the humour within slang.

In conclusion to this article I believe that there is nothing wrong with slang and it does not always reflect negativity. Therefore I disagree with you. Slang can reflect positivity and encourage people to express themselves with pertinence.

Yours sincerely, Seyi Ijaluwoye.